Best-in-class luggage and travel accessories don't just make packing easier, they transform the entire experience of travel. For our second annual Travel O-wards, we tested and curated the top-rated brands, must-have packing essentials, travel-friendly clothing, and home-away-from-home comforts that our seasoned editors swear by. Whether you're searching for the best carry-on luggage, the most durable checked bags, or the smartest travel accessories for your next trip, our expert picks deliver on style, function, and value.
This carry-on offers practicality with a dash of personality. In addition to classic black, it comes in playful periwinkle and teal. Even the wheels get a pop of color—an unexpected fun detail. Designed to be lightweight, the exterior is made from recycled polycarbonate and inside, you'll find removable packing cubes made from recycled material, too. "This case is so fun to pack and unpack because of all the clever details," says market editor Justine Anthony. "Plus, it feels super sturdy and durable, even in rainy weather or on cobblestone streets."
One side has two zippered compartments with multiple pockets, and the other has compression straps to hold things down. "I'm always surprised by how much I can fit in it; I can easily pack for several days," says market director Rae Ann Herman. There's also a dedicated front compartment for a laptop and a handy back pocket for your passport and phone.
This carry-on is a brilliant shape-shifter. It's compact enough to store under a plane seat, with a handy front pocket for a laptop and side pockets for travel essentials. But when you need to pack a little more, you can unzip the expandable top and transform it into a full-size carry-on to store overhead. Two bags in one? We'll take it.
This little wonder is small but mighty. It's compact enough to fit under a seat, and seamlessly switches from backpack to back-saving roller-bag mode. Inside, there's a removable compression system that allows you to pack more than you might think—you can easily take it for two or three days away—not including your laptop, which goes into a special slot.
This winner has all the bells and whistles: a built-in charger, sturdy bag hooks on the outside, a laptop pocket, cup holder, and...a phone mount? Layovers just got that much more comfortable. It even has its own tracking device, NOBL Air. You can pack enough for five to seven days in this multitasker, and it comes in a rainbow of colors.
You'll have a Rimowa cabin bag forever. It's lightweight yet durable thanks to its polycarbonate shell, and the smooth-rolling wheels make navigating airports an actual pleasure. The dual-organization interior has a fully zippered compartment, a zipped pocket, and a divider for hassle-free packing. "I am a Rimowa fanatic," says senior director of wellness Jennie Tung. "All of my clothes, shoes, and toiletries slot into place so seamlessly that it takes all the stress out of packing." Yes, it's an investment, but the lifetime warranty covers wear and tear. Any longtime owner will tell you: It feels premium, works flawlessly, and is worth every penny.
Cheerful pastel hues and an irresistible price set this trusty companion apart. Sturdy on the outside and space-efficient on the inside, it features extra-large compartments with smooth, mesh zipper panels and straps to secure all your belongings. And it's compact but can expand to give an extra 1.6 inches of precious room.
Seamlessly grab your scarf or comfy sweatshirt before boarding with this new July carry-on. The magnetic access door lets you reach the main compartment without opening the entire case or laying it flat. "This is so easy to pack and even easier to unpack," says Herman. "It looks stylish and holds a lot more than you think. Plus, the front section stores all my electronics, which makes clearing security a dream." Other smart features include a TSA-approved lock with 'Find My' integration (so you can locate it via your iPhone's 'Find My' app) and spinner wheels that you can manually lock in place on inclines.
If you're looking for a large suitcase that's built to go the distance, this is The One. Crafted from premium materials, it features a German-engineered polycarbonate shell designed to withstand years of travel, along with a recycled polyester lining, vegetable-dyed leather accents, and smooth-gliding 360-degree spinner wheels engineered in Japan. Inside, compression straps and a compression pad help maximize packing space. And if security is a concern, it has five TSA-approved locks.
We love soft-sided suitcases because there's always some give for extra items. Hello, souvenirs! Even more winning, this design is super lightweight. "This is so spacious and still remains light and easy to maneuver, even after I've filled it all the way to the brim," says Anthony. Responsibly made from recycled polyester, it has a roomy front pocket and two on the inside, and the expander zipper gives you about two inches of extra depth. Permission to go crazy at the local shops.
If you like the roominess of a soft-sided suitcase and the durability of a hard shell, this is a great option. Inside, there's a divider with zippable pockets (even a water-resistant one for toiletries or a wet swimsuit from that last jump in the ocean), a compression panel with straps, and a lining made from recycled water bottles. And when you unzip the expansion feature, you get two more inches of space.
Great-looking luggage is easy to find. Great-looking luggage that's great for the environment, too? Much rarer. This trunk-style suitcase is thoughtfully and meticulously made from rescued fishing nets and landfill plastic. Handcrafted in the U.K. and Italy, it has a luxe quilted Barbour lining that can be unzipped and removed. Finishing touches like military-grade zippers and an engravable nameplate make it feel extra special.
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Written by: Enlightenstein | The Citizen Edition
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